York seeks alumni for reunion party

August 02, 2001|By LeAnn Spencer.

ELMHURST — While workers rebuild much of York High School, local community leaders are engaged their own monumental job.

They are trying to track down 27,000 alumni.

The effort is being conducted to announce what District 205 officials are calling the Ultimate High School Reunion. The party is for alumni and former teachers and staffers who attended or worked at the school since it opened in 1919.

"We're billing the reunion as the last chance to see York High School the way you remember it," said Val Stewart community relations director.

By Christmas old sections of the sprawling high school complex are slated to be torn down to make way for construction.

Of the 27,000 people on the school's alumni list, organizers have been able to reach only 16,000. Contacts were made through a national telemarketing blitz in June. Calls to 11,000 people didn't go through, however, presumably because people have moved, Stewart said. In an effort to reach everybody, organizers are hoping to get the word out via word of mouth, newsletters and the district's Web site.

Proceeds from the reunion will be used to buy an electronic sign for the high school. The party will be from 4 to 10 p.m. Oct. 6. Tickets are $15, and reservations are required. For more information check www.yorkreunion.com or call 630-834-6299.